Bryan Helsey
Department of Biomolecular Science and Translational Medicine, Quezon Medical Center, Quezon, Philippines

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Tinospora crispa Phytosome Enhances Oral Bioavailability and Glycemic Control in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats Dedi Sucipto; Taufiq Indera Jayadi; Bryan Helsey
Eureka Herba Indonesia Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Eureka Herba Indonesia
Publisher : HM Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37275/ehi.v7i1.143

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus remains a major global health challenge with rising prevalence in Southeast Asia, where traditional herbal remedies continue to play a significant role in disease management. Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson (Menispermaceae), locally known as brotowali in Indonesian jamu medicine, exhibits anti-diabetic properties attributed to its alkaloid and diterpenoid constituents; however, the oral bioavailability of its key bioactive compound berberine remains limited at approximately 5%. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic enhancement and anti-diabetic efficacy of a novel Tinospora crispa phytosome in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated to five groups (n = 6): normal control, diabetic control, diabetic plus metformin (200 mg/kg), diabetic plus T. crispa free extract (400 mg/kg), and diabetic plus T. crispa phytosome (400 mg/kg), given orally for 28 days. The phytosome achieved a 3.14-fold enhancement in relative oral bioavailability (AUC0–24: 1524.7 ± 185.4 versus 486.3 ± 62.8 ng·h/mL, p < 0.001) and a higher peak plasma berberine concentration (Cmax: 387.2 ± 42.3 versus 124.5 ± 18.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). After 28 days, the phytosome group showed significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (148.6 ± 19.2 versus 328.4 ± 42.5 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (6.1 ± 0.6 versus 9.2 ± 1.1%, p < 0.001), with an improved lipid profile comparable to metformin and large effect sizes (Cohen's d: 3.51–6.22). These findings indicate that phytosome technology effectively enhances the bioavailability and anti-diabetic efficacy of T. crispa, supporting its development as a standardized herbal complementary therapy for diabetes mellitus.
Reading the Epigenetic Clock: A Comparative Analysis of DNA Methylation Markers for Age Estimation in Semen, Saliva, and Touch DNA Febria Suryani; Bryan Helsey; Leonardo Simanjuntak; Karina Chandra; Mustafa Mahmud; Lisha Sandrina; Ahmad Erza
Sriwijaya Journal of Forensic and Medicolegal Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Sriwijaya Journal of Forensic and Medicolegal
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/sjfm.v3i1.233

Abstract

Introduction: The capacity to predict an individual's age from biological evidence constitutes a significant advancement in forensic intelligence. DNA methylation, a stable epigenetic mark, provides a molecular basis for "epigenetic clocks." However, the operational reliability of these clocks necessitates rigorous validation across diverse biological samples and populations, particularly for challenging, low-template touch DNA evidence. Methods: Following approval from the Ethical Committee of CMHC Indonesia (No. 128/EC/CMHC/2023), we recruited 150 healthy Indonesian male volunteers aged 18-65. Semen, saliva, and high-yield standardized touch DNA samples were collected. DNA was extracted, quantified fluorometrically, and subjected to bisulfite conversion with efficiency controls. The methylation levels of a curated five-CpG panel (ELOVL2, FHL2, TRIM59, KCNQ1DN, C1orf132) were quantified using a rigorously controlled pyrosequencing workflow. Body-fluid-specific age prediction models were developed using multiple linear regression, validated with 10-fold cross-validation, and assessed for statistical assumptions including multicollinearity. Results: The models for semen and saliva demonstrated high predictive accuracy, yielding Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) values of 3.19 years (R²=0.94) and 3.55 years (R²=0.92), respectively. The model developed from high-yield touch DNA was less precise but still highly informative, with a MAD of 5.49 years (R²=0.85). All models satisfied the assumptions of linear regression, with Variance Inflation Factors below 2.5 indicating low multicollinearity. The 95% prediction intervals were narrowest for semen, reflecting its superior precision. Conclusion: This study validates a robust, targeted epigenetic panel for age prediction in a Southeast Asian population. We present highly accurate, tissue-specific models for semen and saliva, suitable for immediate consideration in forensic casework. The touch DNA model, while requiring cautious interpretation, provides a valuable framework for generating investigative leads from trace evidence. Our findings underscore the critical importance of tissue-specific modeling and provide a detailed methodological and statistical blueprint for the responsible implementation of forensic age estimation.
In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of a Novel Strontium-Doped Bioactive Glass Hydrogel for Dentin-Pulp Complex Regeneration Rinna Azrida; Bryan Helsey; Bernadette Wilson; Mohammad Yoshandi
Crown: Journal of Dentistry and Health Research Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Crown: Journal of Dentistry and Health Research
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/crown.v3i1.236

Abstract

Introduction: The regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex is a major challenge in vital pulp therapy. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel injectable hydrogel composed of strontium-doped bioactive glass (Sr-BG) in a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) matrix to promote dentin-pulp complex regeneration. Strontium was added for its dual therapeutic effects of enhancing odontogenic differentiation and inhibiting bacterial activity. Methods: We synthesized Sr-BG nanoparticles using a sol-gel method and characterized them with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nanoparticles were then incorporated into a GelMA hydrogel. We assessed the material's physical properties, including its swelling ratio, degradation rate, and ion release profiles (Si, Ca, P, Sr). We also evaluated its in vitro biocompatibility and odontogenic potential using human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), assessing cell viability (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the expression of odontogenic markers (DSPP, DMP-1, RUNX2) via RT-qPCR. We tested its antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans. For the in vivo evaluation, the hydrogel was used as a pulp capping agent in the mechanically exposed molars of Wistar rats. After 4 and 8 weeks, we assessed tissue regeneration using histological analysis (H&E and Masson's trichrome staining) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Results: The synthesized Sr-BG nanoparticles were amorphous with a particle size of about 80-120 nm. The Sr-BG/GelMA hydrogel exhibited controlled swelling and degradation, along with a sustained release of therapeutic ions. In vitro, the hydrogel demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and significantly upregulated ALP activity and the expression of DSPP, DMP-1, and RUNX2 in hDPSCs compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The material also showed significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans. In vivo, histological analysis revealed the formation of a thick, continuous, and well-organized tertiary dentin bridge with minimal inflammation in the Sr-BG/GelMA group at 8 weeks. Micro-CT analysis confirmed a significantly greater volume and density of newly formed mineralized tissue compared to control groups treated with calcium hydroxide. Conclusion: The novel strontium-doped bioactive glass hydrogel showed significant potential for dentin-pulp complex regeneration. Its combined osteoinductive, angiogenic, and antibacterial properties make it a promising biomaterial for advanced vital pulp therapy, offering a superior alternative to traditional pulp capping agents.